Pretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Deputy President David Dabede Mabuza, who died on Thursday, 3 July 2025.
David “DD” Mabuza passed away in a Sandton hospital following a lengthy period of ill health. The exact cause of his death has not yet been disclosed.
In an official statement, Ramaphosa said he had learned of Mabuza’s death “with deep sadness” and extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the government and the nation to Mabuza’s wife, children, and the people of Mpumalanga, where the late politician once served as Premier.
“We are saddened today by the loss of a leader who was grounded in activism at the early stages of his political career and who came to lead our nation and shape South Africa’s engagement with our continental compatriots and the international community in his role as Deputy President,” Ramaphosa said.
Ramaphosa praised Mabuza’s leadership during his time in national office, highlighting his role as Leader of Government Business in Parliament, chair of key cabinet committees, and coordinator of national programmes such as the South African National AIDS Council and various anti-poverty initiatives.
I have learned with deep sadness of the passing of former Deputy President and former Premier of Mpumalanga David Dabede Mabuza.
Deputy President Mabuza passed away today, Thursday, 3 July 2025.
On behalf of government and the nation, I offer my profound condolences to the late… pic.twitter.com/eEXyl18Kgg
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) July 3, 2025
“He applied his leadership and mobilisation abilities to critical areas of governance and development,” said the president.
“Deputy President Mabuza also represented South Africa on global platforms and consolidated relations between South Africa and its closest partners.”
Ramaphosa further acknowledged Mabuza’s long-standing service within the ANC, where he was elected deputy president of the party in 2017.
“My thoughts are also with deputy president Mabuza’s comrades in his political home, the African National Congress,” he said.
Calling for national reflection, Ramaphosa said Mabuza deserved “our appreciation for his deep commitment to the liberation struggle and to the nation’s development as an inclusive, prosperous, democratic state”.
Details of memorial arrangements and official honours are expected to be announced in due course.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: X/@PresidencyZA
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
